Starbucks Developing In-House AI Tools to Replace Microsoft and IBM Software

Jul 9, 2026

Starbucks is developing in-house AI tools to replace software from Microsoft and IBM, according to an internal presentation. The new systems will target Microsoft's inventory tracking and IBM's maintenance management software. Pending successful testing, some of the new tools could be rolled out by the end of 2027 as the coffee chain aims to reduce its reliance on external vendors.

In-house AI development

▪Starbucks Corp. is developing in-house tools using artificial intelligence to replace software it buys from other companies.
▪The development of the new AI tools was revealed in an internal presentation reviewed by Bloomberg News.

Microsoft software replacement

▪Starbucks is building an alternative to a Microsoft Corp. system used for tracking inventory.
▪The company is also creating a replacement for an International Business Machines Corp. tool that manages maintenance.

Implementation timeline

▪Some of the new Starbucks-developed software could be implemented by the end of 2027, contingent on testing results.
▪Starbucks Corp. is developing in-house tools using artificial intelligence to replace software it buys from other companies.